Japan – viticulture

To accommodate the challenges of climate and terrain in Japan, vine cultivation techniques have been extensively adapted. In areas of high humidity during the summer, an elevated horizontal trellising technique is used to keep the fruit about 1.5–2 meters above the ground to allow ventilation. Called ‘Tanashiki-Saibai’, it was invented by a doctor, Tokuhon Kai (1513-1630) in Katsunuma, and it is still the most familiar viniculture method in Japan. Horizontal trellises have also proven effective in reducing wind damage from typhoons. On sloping land, Italian ryegrass is often planted under the vines to help prevent soil erosion. It is also common practice to place a wax paper ‘hat’ on bunches to keep moisture off the grapes which helps to prevent disease and rot while stopping birds pecking grapes from above. Horizontal trellises have also proven effective in reducing wind damage from typhoons. On sloping land, Italian ryegrass is often planted under the vines to help prevent soil erosion. In areas higher in the mountains, where good sunlight competes with the jagged terrain, winemakers have planted their hedges on steep hillsides both to receive a maximum of sunlight, as well as protect the vines against damage from heavy snowfall.